Things to Do in Monterey & Beyond

Top Activities & Events for 2018

Monterey is a small town with many fun activities. Visitors always enjoy ongoing things to do in Monterey such as kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

In addition, this waterfront village also hosts several fun festivals and events during particular seasons. Highlights include the annual History Festival, the AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament, and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row.

In Monterey you will also find several fun music festivals such as the Jazz Bash by the Bay, the California Roots Music & Arts Festival, the Monterey Swingfest, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Other popular annual events include the Monterey Wine Festival, the Monterey Beer Festival, and Art in the Adobes.

In addition to activities in Monterey, there are many fun, popular events in the surrounding communities, including Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach.

Top Events Each Month

February 2018

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am: Head to Pebble Beach for one of the best events on the PGA Tour. Last year's event included 156 professionals and 156 amateurs. The purse was $7 million for the professionals.

Dates: 2/5 - 2/11

Location: Pebble Beach

March 2018

Jazz Bash by the Bay: This annual event celebrates jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, and other musical genres. This year's event will feature more than 25 performances in several intimate settings all around Monterey.

Dates: 3/2 - 3/4

Location: Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey

April 2018

Pebble Beach Food & Wine: Every year, this event draws more than 250 wineries and 75 chefs for a food and wine extravaganza. For four days, sip wines, watch cooking demonstrations, and mingle with other food and wine lovers.

Dates: 4/5 - 4/8

Location: Several locations around Pebble Beach

Good Old Days Celebration: The county's largest arts and crafts fair with more than 225 artists and food vendors on hand all weekend long.

Dates: 4/14 - 4/15

Location: Downtown Pacific Grove

Admission: Free

Sea Otter Classic: See both professionals and amateurs compete in cycling's North American Opener. Races include mountain bike cross country, downhill, dual slalom, short racing, and more. You can also attend the consumer bike expo, one of the largest in the world.

Dates: April 19-22

Location: Monterey, CA

Big Sur International Marathon: The Annual Big Sur Marathon attracts runners from around the world. It's a moderately difficult course with amazing views from the Pacific Ocean to beautiful redwoods.

Date: April 29

Location: Big Sur

May 2018

Wildflower Triathlon Festival: Head to the southern end of Lake San Antonio for this year's Wildflower Triathlon Festival. Although water levels are low, they are still high enough for this year's swimming events.

Dates: 5/4 - 5/8

Location: Lake San Antonio

Winemakers' Celebration: During this one-day event, you can enjoy wines and meet winemakers from Monterey County wineries. Taste more than 100 wines as you sample small bites made from local ingredients. It's an event for anyone that loves wine!

Dates: 5/5

Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea on Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th

Steinbeck Festival: This annual festival, held at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, features films, speakers, panel discussions and more on the history of the area and John Steinbeck's work.

Dates: 5/4-5/6

Location: Steinbeck Center in Salinas, CA

Salinas Valley Fair: This year marks the 72nd year for this fun, family-friendly festival that features live music and carnival rides. You can also watch local animal competitions, sample local wines, and enjoy a variety of fair treats.

Dates: 5/17

Location: Salinas Valley Fairgrounds

Admission: $8 per person at the entrance

California Roots Music & Arts Festival: Join other music lovers for this year's California Roots Music & Arts Festival. In the past this three-day festival has featured artists like Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, 311, and Rebelution. In total, you can watch more than 40 bands play every year.

Dates: 5/25-5/27

Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds

June 2018

Monterey Wine Festival: Stop by to sample the award-winning wines, sample the best chowder on the west coast, and more.

Dates: 6/9 & 6/10

Location: The Monterey Custom House Plaza

Castroville Artichoke Festival: If you love artichokes, you must head down to the Monterey County Fair and Event Center for this year's Castroville Artichoke Festival. This annual event features a classic car show, a beautiful art gallery and a family-friendly parade. You can also sample hundreds of fun artichoke dishes.

Dates: 6/2 & 6/3

Location: Monterey County Fair & Event Center

Admission: $10 adults / $5 active military, seniors, and children 4-12 / free for children 3 and under

Carmel Valley Art & Wine Celebration: This one-day celebration offers you the chance to taste some of the best wines from Monterey County. In addition, you get the chance to see gorgeous works from dozens of artists from around the world.

Dates: 6/16

Location: Carmel Valley Community Park

Monterey Rock & Rod Festival: Heading into its 11th year, this event raises money for the Gateway Center of Monterey County, Inc. For two days, it features hundreds of classic cars, street rods and muscle cars from 1975 or before.

Dates: 6/22 & 6/23

Location: Friday at Monterey Fairgrounds, Saturday at Custom House

Monterey Bacon Festival: Enjoy an entire day of bacon flavored food and drinks. Head over to the stage to enjoy your bacon with some live music. This year's event lasts for two days.

Date: 6/23

Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds

July 2018

Monterey Beer Festival: If beer is more your speed, then check out this year's Monterey Beer Festival. Discover new local beers, sample amazing gourmet goodies and meet other beer lovers.

Date: 7/7

Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds

California Rodeo Salinas: During this four-day event, you get the chance to watch PRCA Professional riders as they compete for the top prize. Highlights for this event also include live music, horse shows and professional bull riders. In addition, this event features parades, a midway with family friendly rides and more.

Dates: 7/19-7/22

Location: Salinas Sports Complex

Moss Landing Antique Street Fair: Browse thousands of collectables and antiques during this outdoor one day antique buying event. Fuel up for the day with the morning pancake breakfast and enjoy food from dozens of other booths all day long.

Date: 7/29

Location: Moss Landing

Carmel Bach Festival: For three weeks, enjoy dozens of performances during the Carmel Bach Festival. This celebration of Johann Sebastian Back integrates music, education and ideas. It showcases performances created, inspired or influences by this legendary musician.

Dates: 7/14-7/28

Location: Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Feast of Lanterns: This summer festival offers locals a chance to celebrate Pacific Groves history and culture. It features a lantern parade, a fireworks display, and dozens of other fun activities.

Dates: 7/20-7/28

Location: City of Pacific Grove

August 2018

Salinas Valley Half Marathon: Join other runners on a scenic route that starts at the historic Soledad Mission and ends at Pessagno Winery.

Date: 8/4

Location: Salinas

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: Stop by Pebble Beach on the third Sunday of August to view almost 200 prized collector cars and motorcycles on the famed eighteenth fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Date: 8/26

Location: Pebble Beach Golf Course

Sand City West End Celebration: Head just a few minutes northeast of Monterey to Sand City for their annual art and music celebration. This year, visit more than 100 artists open studios throughout this three day event. You can also stop by one of more than a half dozen stages to listen to one of the two dozens bands perform.

Dates: 8/17, 8/18, & 8/19

Location: Sand City, CA

Monterey County Fair: The annual Monterey County Fair offers live music, family entertainment, and more. All performances are free with admission tickets.

Monterey County Fair: The annual Monterey County Fair offers live music, family entertainment, and more. All performances are free with admission tickets.

Dates: TBD

Location: Monterey Fair Grounds

Tickets: Start at $8 per person, per day ($4 for kids 6-12)

Monterey Bay Greek Festival: A three-day event with Greek food, music, and dancing. It's one of the best ways to enjoy the Greek culture. Head down to the Custom House Plaza and Fisherman's Wharf to participate in the fun. Admission is free.

Dates: TBD

Location: Custom House Plaza & Fisherman's Wharf

Festa Italia: This annual event celebrates the local fisherman of Monterey. It's a three day event at the Custom House in downtown Monterey. It includes entertainment, raffles, a bocce tournament, a parade, Italian food and more. Admission is free.

Dates: TBD

Location: Custom House Plaza

Monterey Jazz Festival: Heading into its 60th year, the Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest running jazz festival in the country. This year's event will once again feature top named artists as they have had in recent years such as Herbie Hancock, The Roots, and Gary Clark Jr. Other artists this year include Cecile McLorin Salvant, Charles Lloyd and Robert Glasper.

Dates: TBD

Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds

Oktoberfest Monterey Bay: Drink German beer and dance to fun tunes at this year's Monterey Bay Oktoberfest. Live music this year is provided by The Alpine Band and The Hazelnuss Das Music. You can also enjoy family friendly activities such as the Dachshund Races, a petting zoo, and jump houses.

Date: TBD

Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds

Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach: Juniors from all over the US will compete at Pebble Beach Golf Links. You will also get to see many legendary golfers as they help mentor these up and coming athletes. It's a weekend you will never forget!

Dates: TBD

Location: Pebble Beach Golf Links

California International Airshow: This year's airshow in Salinas will feature The Thunderbirds! You will also get the chance to see professional air acrobats, interesting planes and more.

Dates: TBD

Location: Salinas, CA

Artists Studio Tour: Similar to SF's Open Studios, the Monterey County Artists Studio Tour event features open artists studios throughout Monterey. All studios participating will offer an open house. Artists will also be around to discuss their pieces and sell them to interested parties.

Dates: TBD

October 2018

Butterfly Parade & Bazaar: This annual event is a welcoming of the Monarchs back to Pacific Grove. This annual event, by local elementary school children, starts at 10:30am. It is then followed by the annual Butterfly Bazaar behind Robert Down School.

Date: TBD

Location: Robert H. Down on Pine Avenue

Monterey History Fest: Discover Monterey's local history and celebrate its heritage with special exhibitions, games, cultural groups, and guided tours of the area's most famous sites. All activities are free to the public.

Carmel International Film Festival: This year's event will feature dozens of films from around the globe.

Dates: TBD

Location: Several venues around Carmel

November 2018

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival: This annual event showcases amazing wines from dozens of local wineries. In addition to wine, you can also sample the amazing culinary treats from top chefs from Big Sur, Monterey, and San Francisco.

Big Sur Half Marathon: This popular half-marathon starts and finishes in Monterey. During this race, you will run along the beautiful waterfront as well as downtown Monterey. The event includes the half marathon, a 5k, and a 3k kids run.

Taylormade Pebble Beach Invitational: This Pro-Am Tournament is held at three Pebble Beach Courses: Del Monte Golf Course, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and the Pebble Beach Golf Links. It's planned for late November and will feature some of the biggest names in golf.

Dates: TBD

Location: Three Golf Course in Pebble Beach

Admission: The Public is Welcome All Days Free of Charge

Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights: Stop by downtown Salinas for their Annual Holiday Parade of Lights event. This fun, local parade offers dozens of floats, kids, and many other participants. The parade starts at 6pm.

Date: TBD

Location: Downtown Salinas

Pacific Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony: Festivities take place from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and include live performances by school bands and choruses, as well as caroling and refreshments.

Date: TBD

Location: Jewell Park in Pacific Grove

Christmas at the Inns: Enjoy another fun holiday tradition in Pacific Grove with Christmas at the Inns. For these two days between 6pm and 9pm, stop by several local bed & breakfast inns for Victorian holiday decor, entertainment, and light refreshments. Limited number of tickets sold.

Date: TBD

Location: 10 inns in Pacific Grove

Cannery Row Tree Lighting: This annual tree lighting ceremony is usually the day after Thanksgiving. This free event lasts from 5pm to 9pm. Stop by for family festivities and to get into the holiday spirit.

Dates: TBD

Location: Steinbeck Plaza and the Plaza in front of Bubba Gump's on Cannery Row

Holiday Parade of Lights: At this annual parade in Pacific Grove, you will see local marching bands, holiday floats, equestrian groups, dance teams, and Santa Claus! Stay after the parade to get some great holiday deals from local merchants as well as wagon rides and photos with Santa for the little ones.

Date: TBD

Location: Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove

December 2018

Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival: This event is for everyone that loves cowboy poetry, western music, cowboy movies and western art and gear. During this three day event, you can listen to country music, enjoy some amazing food & wine, and mingle with other cowboys and those that love them. You can also check out the art and western marketplace, put in your bid for the Silent Auction, and pick your favorite during the Battle of the Bands.

Dates: TBD

Location: Golden State Theater

Annual Tree Lighting & Carmel Plaza Party: Carmel-by-the-Sea invites the public to their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and celebration. Enjoy entertainment and refreshments beginning at 3:30pm. The mayor will then light the tree at around 5:45pm, rain or shine.

Date: TBD

Location: Devendorf Park, at Ocean and Junipero Avenues

Stillwell's Fun in the Park: Stop by downtown Pacific Grove for the 23rd Annual Stillwell's Fun in the Park event. It's a huge holiday party with Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and a full day of other fun family-friendly activities.

Date: TBD

Location: Caledonia Park in Pacific Grove

Streets of Bethlehem: This free community event is at the First Baptist Church in Salinas. It's from 6:00pm to 8:30pm each night.

Dates: TBD

Location: First Baptist Church at 1130 San Vincente Avenue

Inns of Distinction Tour: This annual event takes you through seven unique, historic inns in downtown Carmel. Each one opens up a few rooms to the public for you to see.

Date: TBD

Location: Downtown Carmel

Christmas in the Adobes: Visit Monterey's past at this annual event where you can see the adobes by candlelight while enjoying refreshments and live entertainment. There is plenty of history and other fun activities for the entire family.

Date: TBD

Location: Historic Downtown Monterey

Jingle Bell Run/Walk: Join other runners and walkers in Pacific Grove for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. This annual event starts at Lovers Point Park. Registration starts at 7:30am with the official 5k run starting at 9am.

Date: TBD

Location: Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove

Santa's Fly-In: Santa Claus makes his annual Carmel Valley Fly-in at the Carmel Valley Airfield. His helicopter will make an appearance in the sky starting around 10:30am. After Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive, they will hop in their sleigh and join other local community organizations in a parade. After the parade, stay for the holiday picnic with food, drinks, holiday activities, and more.

Date: TBD

Location: Carmel Valley Airfield & Community Park

First Night Monterey: This New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Monterey is an alcohol-free event for the entire family. This year's theme is "Phases of the Moon." The festival includes art, live music, and other fun holiday activities. Festivities start at 3pm and last until shortly after the New Year.

Date: TBD

Location: Downtown Monterey

January 2019

Rio Grill's Resolution Run: Start the New Year out right at the 28th annual Rio Grill's Resolution Run. It includes both a 5k and a 10k. Dogs and strollers are welcome.

Date: TBD

Location: Starts at the Crossroads Shopping Mall in Carmel

Monterey Swingfest: The 25th annual Swingfest will include workshops, dancing, contests, live music, and more.

Dates: TBD

Location: Monterey Hyatt Regency

Whalefest at Monterey Fisherman's Wharf: Stop by for the chance to see whales in the water and learn more about these fantastic animals. The festival includes lectures and documentaries as well as musical and theatrical performances. The two-day event will also include live music, whale watching trips on the bay, and more.

Dates: TBD

Location: Monterey Fisherman's Wharf

Other Activities You Might Enjoy

Other Fun Things to Do in Monterey

Cannery Row: This fun entertainment district features dozens of shops, restaurants and attractions. It's a fun way to spend the day or even just a few hours. On this page, you will discover a full list of things to do on Cannery Row.

Top Monterey Museums: The small town of Monterey hosted a number of important events in the history of California. Today, you can visit the sites of some of these events as well as their great modern art museum and the gorgeous Museum of Monterey (which showcases more of this city's history).

Wine Tasting: Monterey County features several places to taste its local wines. You can either taste right in Monterey, head to Carmel for some tasting or spend the day out at the wineries. On this page, you will find out details on the best places to taste wine and tips on getting around during your adventure.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: One of the best aquariums in the US is right here in Monterey. This is one of the most popular things to do in Monterey as they offer several amazing exhibits. You can watch the penguins play, see a variety of fish in their large aquarium or spend some time learning with their hands on exhibits.